Play

[Dakota]

c. Fails to gain control of the batted ball and is within a step and a reach (in any direction) of the spot of the initial contact.

Originally Posted by topper

This seems to support Wade's case. If this is an exact quote from the rule book, it makes no mention of the position of the ball, just the fielder. Interesting.

Interesting; I hadn't noticed that, but I suspect it is an editorial error, similar to the one in b. Notice the wording in the NFHS Case Play dealing with this rule:

INITIAL PLAY
2.47.3 SITUATION A: With R1 on second base, B2 hits a ground ball to F6. The ball deflects off of F6's arm and lands (a) one step in front or to the side of her; (b) one step behind her; (c) more than one step behind her; or (d) more than one step in front of her. In all situations, as F6 attempts to make a play on the ball, R1 makes contact with F6, preventing her from getting to the ball. RULING: In (a) and (b), the ball is dead and R1 is out for interfering with the initial play on a batted ball. In (c) and (d), since F6 is not within a "step and a reach" of the ball, F6 is guilty of obstruction for impeding R1. (2-36; 2-47-2; 8-4-3b; 8-6-10a)